Haedong Kumdo

On Sunday the 12th of September, Martin O Malley and the White Tigers in Castlerbar gave an open invitation to train with Master Chong Jae Nim Kim Jeong Seong from Korea at their Dojo.
The day was split into two training sessions, the morning session seen us introduced to the basic mechanics of holding and moving with a sword.
We practiced the strikes and turning body movements before progressing to learning Form 1. It is a beginners form but still required a lot of thought (on my part anyway) to try and incorporate what we had learned to a set Form.
Next we paired off and practised choreographed strikes and blocks attempting to build up speed and accuracy. Which was a fun challenge although my unfortunate partner finished the drill with a bruised hand (oops)!
After dinner for the second session the mood became very upbeat as we tryed our hand at cutting a clean line through a sheet of newspaper. This tested our sword movements and gave the opportunity to see how accurate we were.
For the final challenge of the day we worked on target strikes. This was achieved using a ball which we had to both throw and strike, progressing to group drills.
I really enjoyed the days seminar, it had it all, skills to master, knowledge to gain, a good laugh or two (mostly at my own efforts) and a sore body on Monday morning.

A big thanks to Master Chong Jae Nim Kim Jeong Seong, Martin O Malley & The White Tigers, Stephen Kelly for his corrections and photography and my unfortunate partner, I hope her hand is okay.

JKS Humbo Dojo Training

Members from Faolchú travelled to Dublin and the home of JKS Karate in Ireland for a training seminar with Robert Steggels 5th Dan JKS Scotland on Saturday 11th September.

It was a challenging day for both juniors and seniors, with the focus on compression and release of energy through stance and hips.

One of the highlights was the performance of Heian Kata on the spot. The challenge of never changing height and remaining in the one space while executing every movement from a kata was exhausting.

Sensei Robert Steggles to the fore instructing the Junior participants.
Myself in mid flow executing a punch.
Sensei Marie performing one of the many challenging drills on the day.

The Senior group having a laugh.

Thanks to Sensei Scott Langley 5th Dan JKS for providing such a great day and to Sensei Steggles for his enlightening instruction. Also a special thanks to the senior members of JKS Ireland who were so helpfull on the day Sensei John Shanaghan 5th Dan JKS and Sensei Koike 5th Dan JKS.

Railway Station Clean-up

We have been asked by Tuam Council and Chamber if we can assist with the clean-up of the railway station in preparation for its 150th anniversary.

The clean-up will take place on 11th/12th Sep from 9am to 4pm.

As many people as possible from the club should try to put in a little time (even an hour) to help.

Myself or Marie will be there on Sunday if you want to join us phone Marie on 087 2909194 or Malcolm on 083 0082110 and we will go as a group.

If attending on your own please make it known to the organisers who you represent. This is very important so as to show a large cross section of the community and will help to add to the fight to reinstate to rail service through Tuam.

Upcoming Events

I have added a number of upcoming events which may be of interest to the list on the side-bar. As each event nears I will provide more information in relation to it.

MVF Host Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Damien Walker will be instructing a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu course at the invitation of Master Harry Thompson and Moy Valley Freestyle, on Saturday the 4th of September in Ballina.
This course will be suitable for both beginners and those wanting to further develop their skills in ground work and holds.
Your can contact Master Thompson on 087 – 2753750 or ask or call your instructor and we can arrange transport for club members.

Kanazawa No Bo Kata

Castlebar Shotokan Karate Club are hosting Seamus O' Dowd Sensei, 5th dan SKIF, in Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Sunday the 21st of November.
Sensei O' Dowd is co-presenter of the brand new dvd "Kanazawa No Bo" kata.
The Sunday seminar will consist of 2 sessions, a morning session of Karate and Kobudo and an evening session of Kobudo.
To get further details contact Jarlath Cunningham on 087 2673062 or email jarlathgodan@yahoo.com

Adult Class

Although all the children's Karate classes are still on holiday the adult classes will recommence tonight 18th Aug at 8pm.

We hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and remember classes start back the first week in September.
If you know of anyone wishing to start in September contact us immediately to book and secure a place. As you know our classes are strictly limited in size to ensure the best instructor to student ratios and comply with Sports Council of Ireland recommendations.

Also we have launched a new web site, help improve our visibility by visiting us through the link in our link bar or by searching for us on Yahoo or Google. The address is http://www.tuamkarate.com/
so you can choose that search option when you find it.

Club Constitution

The Club Constitution is now complete and available to all members. The document is compliant with all current legislation. If you want a copy please let myself or Marie know. This has been a large undertaking and the finished document is 34 pages long. However with this completed we are Sports Council compliant and in a better position to apply for funding and grants etc.

Also remember there will be no Children's Karate classes for the month of August. Classes commence again the first week of September. If you know of anyone who wants to start let us know immediately as there are only a limited number of spaces available.

Adult classes will break for the first two weeks of August and recommence the third week.

Faolchú Championships

Here are some photos from our competition today. Congratulations to all those who took part.

Faolchú Championships

Here are some early photos from our Championships